Where to Find Grass Fed Beef: A Complete Guide

Grass fed beef has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more consumers learn about the health and environmental benefits of cattle raised on pasture. Grass fed cows eat a natural diet of grass and hay, unlike conventional beef which is often fattened up on grain and soy in feedlots

Grass fed beef is higher in antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and lower in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. It’s also a more sustainable farming method, supporting regenerative agriculture. But with so many “grass fed” label claims out there, how do you find beef that is 100% grass fed and grass finished?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my best tips for finding true grass fed beef, whether shopping online, at grocery stores or seeking out local farms.

Use Online Directories to Find Grass Fed Farms

A great starting point in your search is online directories that maintain lists of farms selling 100% grass fed meat Two good ones are

• EatWildcom – EatWild is likely the most comprehensive directory out there, with over 1,400 pasture-based farms listed. Farms pay a small fee each year to be listed, so not every grass fed producer is included, but most major ones are. Their website makes it easy to search for farms by location One tip when using EatWild – focus on farms located near you or that offer shipping, as many only sell locally.

• Cornucopia Institute’s Organic Beef Scorecard – Cornucopia thoroughly researches farms beyond just label claims, rating on criteria like pasture access and organic practices. A good place to validate brands you see in stores. But less helpful for finding small local producers.

Check Farmers Markets and Food Co-Ops

Farmers markets can be a great source of locally raised grass fed meats. Ask vendors if their beef is 100% grass fed and grass finished. Double check their practices like whether they spray pastures with chemicals.

Food co-ops also prioritize locally-sourced products and sustainably-raised meat. Call your local co-ops to ask if they carry grass fed beef. Some useful sites for finding co-ops:

• LocalHarvest.org

• CoopDirectory.org

• NCGA.coop

Join Buy/Sell Groups on Social Media

Facebook groups for buying and selling foods locally can connect you with farmers in your own community. Search for “[your city/state] farm food” or “buy sell” to find relevant groups. Ask if anyone sells 100% grass fed beef.

Evaluate Grass Fed Options at Your Grocery Store

Major chains like Whole Foods and Safeway now carry grass fed beef, though it may not be local. Research brands’ standards and suppliers. Look for details like whether cattle are raised on the same farms that process them. The fewer middlemen, the better.

I’ve found consistent grass fed options at health-conscious chains like Sprouts and Earth Fare. But always double check claims on the label.

Consider Buying Grass Fed Beef Online

Purchasing directly from a farm’s website can be convenient, and opens up small producers you won’t find locally. Make sure farms raise their own cattle and process on-site for full traceability. Two that ship nationwide:

• White Oak Pastures – GA-based, 150-year-old family farm, 100% grass fed & grass finished. Rotational grazing system.

• Butcher Box – Work with collective of vetted, independent farms. 100% grass fed, free range and antibiotic free options.

Look for indications of regenerative agriculture like rotating cattle to mimic migrations. And lean towards small-scale, family run farms when possible.

What to Look for When Choosing Grass Fed Beef

With so many claims on labels, it can get confusing discerning grass fed from conventional beef. Here are a few tips:

• Look for “100% grass fed” or “grass fed and finished” specifically. This means the animal’s entire life cycle after weaning.

• “Grass fed” is now legally defined by the USDA to mean only grass and forage, no grain finishing. But “grass finished” can still be misleading.

• “Organic” is not the same as grass fed. Organic cattle may still be finished on organic grains.

• Pasture raised and free range don’t guarantee 100% grass diets. Ask about supplemental feeding.

• Look for certifications like American Grassfed Association to add credibility.

• Connect with farmers directly at markets or online to ask questions if labels are unclear.

Why Choose Grass Fed Beef?

Here are some of the top reasons to seek out grass fed beef:

• Nutrition – More omega-3s. Higher in antioxidants like vitamin E. Shown to have a more favorable fatty acid profile.

• Animal Welfare – Cows evolved to eat grass. More space to graze outdoors. No crowded feedlots.

• Sustainability – Pasture grazing regenerates soil. Avoids monocropping of corn/soy for feed. Carbon sequestration.

• Taste – Grass fed beef is often described as richer, more complex flavor from diverse diet.

• No Added Hormones/Antibiotics – Reduces risk of antibiotic resistance. Avoids synthetic hormones.

Finding 100% grass fed beef does require some detective work as a consumer. But doing your homework pays off in meat that nourishes your body and aligns with your values. Follow these tips and with some searching, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the benefits of grass fed beef.